The Germany head coach will not be returning to the Allianz Arena (Picture: Getty)
Julian Nagelsmann has decided against a return to former club Bayern Munich and has instead signed a contract extension with the German national team.
The 36-year-old was axed by the Bundesliga giants in March of last year but had become the club’s top target to replace Thomas Tuchel, who will step down as manager at the end of the season.
Nagelsmann has been in charge of Germany since September and was widely expected to return to club football following this summer’s European Championship, with his deal only running until the end of the tournament.
But instead he has decided to sign a two-year contract extension with Die Mannschaft and will take charge of the side at the World Cup in 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Explaining his decision to extend his contract, Nagelsmann said on Friday: ‘This is a decision of the heart.
‘It is a great honour to be able to coach the national team and work with the best players in the country.
‘With successful, passionate performances we have the chance to inspire the entire country.
Nagelsmann has decided to remain in charge of Germany (Picture: Getty)
‘I got a taste of that with the two wins against France and the Netherlands in March and it really touched me.
‘We want to play a successful home European Championship together and then I’m really looking forward, together with my coaching team, to the challenge of a World Cup.’
In addition to Bayern, Liverpool had also been linked with a move for Nagelsmann as they search for a successor to Jurgen Klopp and he was mooted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United too.
Germany team director and former player Rudi Voller said: ‘We were already absolutely convinced of Julian Nagelsmann before the recent successful international matches, but they have shown again what enthusiasm Julian and his team can rekindle in Germany.
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‘He is an outstanding coach, a tactical fox who not only has great football expertise but can also inspire every player with his passion.
‘He bleeds for the national team and for success. I am very happy that we will continue on this path together after the home European Championship.’
The news will be a blow to Bayern Munich, who moved onto Nagelsmann after their first choice target, Xabi Alonso, elected to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
The likes of Jose Mourinho and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi have been linked with the job in the past, while Sebastian Hoeness – the nephew of former Bayern president Uli – could be an option after a stellar campaign in charge of Stuttgart.
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